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Just between you and me: a peer public legal education and information (PLEI) programme for women in family violence situations

The “Just Between You and Me” project was designed to provide public legal education and information (PLEI) peer support to women who had experienced family violence and assess its validity as a model for PLEI delivery. The goal of the project was for peers to share this information within their own networks of family, coworkers, and communities, using resources existing in their areas. The research included the delivery of a training program to women from Indigenous communities of Sault Ste. Marie and other northern areas in Ontario. The study adapted an existing evaluation tool, developed a recruitment tool, and used materials already produced by other PLEI providers as the basis for the curriculum. Initially 20 women were recruited for an 8-week training session, with approximately half from Indigenous communities. A total of 18 women graduated from the training. An evaluator provided assessment throughout the project. The findings of this study support the use of an evaluation framework to ensure that PLEI is delivered from a “best practice” approach. It also supports a recruitment process that includes a media conference and information session to raise community awareness, followed by a careful selection of participants. Role modeling, use of community networks in the recruitment process, and the use of materials with Indigenous content were important factors in recruiting and retaining Indigenous peers. The findings of this study support peer development as a valid PLEI model of delivery.

Author:

Broad, Gayle

Title of Work:

Just between you and me: a peer public legal education and information (PLEI) programme for women in family violence situations